Influence of Class Teachers' Academic Qualifications on the Self-Esteem of Orphaned Pupils in Nairobi County Public Junior Schools

Abstract

The influence of class teacher qualifications on the self-esteem of orphaned pupils is critical to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4, which emphasizes inclusive and equitable quality education. In Kenya, the government allocates nearly 8 billion shillings annually to the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVCs) program, yet limited research examines how teacher academic qualifications shape orphaned learners’ self-esteem in junior schools, where parental guidance is often absent. Self-esteem is vital for academic engagement and performance, particularly for double orphans. This study investigated the impact of class teachers’ academic qualifications on the self-esteem of orphaned pupils in Nairobi County’s public junior schools. Using a correlational design, the study sampled 400 pupils and their class teachers from 237 schools. Data were collected via structured questionnaires, including the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Findings revealed no statistically significant relationship between teachers’ academic qualifications and orphaned pupils’ self-esteem (χ² = 4.23, p = 0.76). This suggests that credentials alone do not determine emotional support capacity. The study concludes that relational qualities, such as emotional intelligence, are more critical than academic expertise in fostering self-esteem among orphaned learners. Recommendations include revising teacher preparation programs to integrate psychosocial competencies and policy interventions emphasizing trauma-informed practices. These insights inform evidence-based strategies for enhancing teacher training and supportive classroom environments for orphaned pupils.